VIEWER VOICES COMMENTS & ANSWERS TO FAREED S QUESTION OF THE WEEK

Transcription

1 VIEWER VOICES COMMENTS & ANSWERS TO FAREED S QUESTION OF THE WEEK (To remove your name or entire comment please webmaster) Last week we asked, Is Russia a troubled democracy or has it reverted to dictatorship? The majority of our viewers said it was a cross between a troubled democracy, dictatorship, and oligarchy. Here are some notable responses:

2 Dear Sir Russia is a country at cross roads between reverting to dictatorship OR proceeding to democracy Whilst waiting on the direction to go... Russia now has the potential for self-destruction initially by small revolts that might escalate to something more severe if America and the superpowers in Europe don t resolve the 'strange attitude challenge' with Russian leaders Niyi Russia on the way to democracy I doubt very much; a dictatorship is more likely. Unfortunately, the Russians as a people never had the opportunity to understand and live in a democracy. Juergen Middleton, MA

3 I grew up under the Russia (SSSR) dictatorship and occupation of my country in Living now in Canada and being able to compare Russia's and North American's leadership, Russia has never changed. It is more than just a plain dictatorship - nothing has changed since the time of Czar or Stalin. Democracy does not exist there and Russia does not agree with democracy in other countries as well. Russia just tolerates the democracy since at this point they do not have another choice. Martina I think it's a troubled democracy that is in the process of reverting to a dictatorship. How else could authorities allow a tax accountant to languish in jail and eventually die for committing the high crime of investigating corruption within government itself! Anonymous After watching both airings of your show this week, I believe that Russia is a dictatorship hidden behind a thin veil of democracy. It

4 seems that Vladimir Putin is still very much in charge, though now as the "power behind the throne". And as long as he has the backing of the Russian mafia and the oligarchs, it will probably stay that way. Anonymous I was part of a consulting team that traveled to Russia several times to assist in the building of the Russian Pension Fund System. As a result, I have some first hand understanding of the Russian people. The Russian people are very proud of their past and their role in the world. Putin is and will be popular among Russians because he is a throw back to the days of great Russian pride. Russia is a troubled democracy and will, for a long time, titter between the desire to reach for the future and the need to hold on to its proud past. Putin fits that mold and has created a role in government that the Russian people will always desire. They enjoy the freedoms democracy brings but they also love a strong leader who loves Russia and commands respect on the world stage. Anonymous

5 I believe that key insights are necessary to inform overall knowledge and I think your guests this morning offered some key insights (and debate in the one case) as to how Russia functions. The story of the death of the Russian lawyer was chilling and seems to reveal much about the entire system, but if the President of Georgia applauds Obama's efforts to deal with Russia, that adds considerable support for us to continue to make whatever deals with them that makes sense to us, even if we have to hold our nose while shaking hands. Continue your good work. Richard Farrell San Diego As any other country in the world Russia has its own way to the future, were there is a harmony between government enforcement and private freedom. In America, as we all know there is very sharp debate on this issue at this point.

6 I think Russia is on the way to more pluralistic society than it was before, attempting to save the best from government role and give all benefits of the private freedom. It is obviously not dictatorship anymore and will not ever be. Steven Russia seems to be a mixture of both. There is a democratic structure but under the surface mob rule is allowed to flourish and Putin wields tremendous autocratic power. E. Abbey Atlanta, GA I'm not sure what Russia is. But it did implode and is the wayward shadow of its former self. It is a crying shame, too. So many welleducated citizens, so much resources, yet so little real experience with self-motivation and seeing where one realistically fits in. Rule of law means nothing if there is no honor and integrity, even among

7 rapacious oligarchs, whether Yeltsin or Putin. Medvedev really needs to take the reins, even if he has to shove Putin aside to do it. Bruce Jackson Cape Coral, Fla I knew little about the current unrest in Russia until I saw your show today. After I saw the interviews, it seems that Russia is a corrupt Oligarchy. If the President himself lacks adequate power over his government, how can the US hope to improve its relations? Russia and China appear to have clashing interests with the US. It's unfortunate that the US is economically tied to China. However, I hope the US Govt can strategically act, without compromising its own values. I am definitely going to start reading more about this. Ankita Silicon Valley

8 WONDERFUL, WONDERFUL story regarding the corruption in Russia. Only thing I would like to know is how can any US citizen help the citizens of Russia to develop a free, fair, democratic government so they can quit living under a suppressive government? Mike Clifford Mr. Zakaria, I believe that key insights are necessary to inform overall knowledge and I think your guests this morning offered some key insights (and debate in the one case) as to how Russia functions. The story of the death of the Russian lawyer was chilling and seems to reveal much about the entire system, but if the President of Georgia applauds Obama's efforts to deal with Russia, that adds considerable support for us to continue to make whatever deals with them that makes sense to us, even if we have to hold our nose while shaking hands. Continue your good work. Richard San Diego

9 Dear Fareed Zakaria, Your show was the best one I saw this morning. Browder's story on his investment company in Russia and his tax lawyer, a true Everyman's hero, was riveting. It revealed in a precise way the depth of the corruption of the government. No matter how complicated, complex, and far-fetched Hollywood thrillers are, they can't match an actual Russian "law enforcement" operation. Shaskashvilii turned out to be a far more level-headed guy than I would have guessed. Georgia is lucky to have him. Brent Stephens, whom I've never seen before, was sharp and kept on point. Troubled democracy or dictatorship? I would call Russia a democracy in waiting or a dictatorship in waiting. Several honest judges do serve on the bench there, the Kremlin allows some demonstrations, and a few magazines publish negative articles about the government. My guess is if any of these elements approach critical mass, Putin and his trusty KGB will liquidate them. What happens next is the answer. Carol O'Hallaron Washington, DC